Katinka - La Vraie

History

Prior to 600 AD, the lake Mälaren was connected to the sea, but due to land elevation, the lake was slowly cut off and boats had to be ported over land to and from the lake.

The name Telje is mentioned in the 11th century. To resolve a name conflict with another town that was founded North of Stockholm in the 17th century, Söder (meaning south) was added to create Södertälje and Norr was added to the other to create Norrtälje.

In the 18th century Södertälje had a charter, but due to the Great Northern War and a series of plague epidemics, the population of the city dipped to barely above 200.

Södertälje

Today, Södertälje has one of Europe's largest exile communities of Assyrians.